Satiating the ferocious appetite for seafood

When it comes to seafood, the Chinese have the biggest appetite in the world. According to a 2018 report published by Netherlands-based Rabobank, China is the world's largest consumer of seafood, devouring 37 percent of the global total production of seafood and aquatic produce.

According to Australian Broadcasting Corporation News, 98 percent of the 6,300 tons of lobsters caught in Western Australia in 2017 - the equivalent of the weight of around 1,000 elephants - were shipped to China. The volume of lobster exports to China has also been soaring since the free trade agreement between the two nations was signed in 2015.

In New Zealand, lobsters account for more than two-thirds of its seafood exports to China, according to New Zealand Trade & Enterprise.

"I feel very confident with Red Lobster. There are so many things that resonate here. Lobster has always been a well-received dish with Chinese consumers," said Martin, who opened the first Morton steakhouse in Shanghai in 2010.

"Like any mega city, Shanghai offers the choice of a 20-yuan ($2.95) bowl of noodles as well as a 2,000-yuan high-end French meal. You can have and enjoy both, and I think that indicates how the market has become a more diverse and sophisticated one," added the veteran restaurateur.

A report by RET Real Estate Consultancy showed that Shanghai residents outspend their peers from other Chinese cities when it comes to dining at restaurants in shopping malls, averaging 87 yuan per meal.

According to Martin, Red Lobster will be looking to open another two to three outlets in Shanghai within the year. The company is also considering expanding to locations such as Beijing and Shenzhen.

If you go

Red Lobster Shanghai

LG1-20-1, Shanghai IFC Mall, 8 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai Sunday-Thursday: 11.30am-10pm; Friday and Saturday: 11.30am-11pm 021-6088-7100